HISTORY OF MEFSC’S NUTCRACKER ON ICE

This version of Nutcracker on Ice was first performed in Rockford, IL in 1996. It wascreated and conceived by Sharon Whitlock (our director’s mother) to give skaters theopportunity to perform this classic, timeless story of The Nutcracker, one ofTchaikovsky’s most famous and beloved pieces of music. Sharon also wanted thepublic to have the chance to see The Nutcracker in a unique way—on ice! The showwas produced for eight years in Rockford, IL and over those years involved hundreds ofskaters and thousands of audience members. In addition, each year the show hosted afood drive to make the holidays a little easier for those who were less fortunate.Because of this, skaters not only had a fun experience skating in the show, but alsolearned the importance and gratification in giving to others.

The show was brought to St. Louis in 2005 by Sharon’s daughter Charity, who moved toSt. Louis to attend Saint Louis University. The first year was an overwhelming success!With two shows completely sold out and with little more than a week prior to theshows a third show was added to accommodate the amount of people who wanted tosee this beautiful performance! Since that year, the show has continued to grow inevery aspect. Each year we have had more skaters, more audience members, morefood donations (yes, we continued the food drive), bigger sets, better costumes! Thegrowth would not have been possible without the dedication of many skaters, coaches,parents, and volunteers! We hope to continue our growth with another successful year!

Our hope is that everybody who is involved in the show or sees the show is somehowtouched by the magic of the story! Whether you are a skater in the show, volunteeringfor the show, or attending the show, we are confident that you will have a rewardingexperience and be glad that you had a part in this amazing production!

Clara played by Anna Ilivicky in the 2011 performances

THE STORY OF NUTCRACKER ON ICE

It’s Christmas at the Stahlbaum home! A huge tree and many presents fill the livingroom, and guests arrive to celebrate with the family. Clara’s godfather, the mysteriousHerr Drosselmeier, brings magical toys to life to entertain the guests. He presents Clarawith the best present of all—a life-sized Nutcracker! But Clara’s brother Fritz is jealousof her magnificent gift and breaks the Nutcracker! Clara is heart-broken and the guestsleave, but Drosselmeier repairs the Nutcracker, and just in time...

Upset about her broken toy, Clara falls asleep by the Christmas tree. The evil MouseQueen and her mice army sneak in to attack the Nutcracker. A battle ensues, and theNutcracker is struck down, nearly defeated. But Clara awakes in time to save herNutcracker by throwing her skate at the Mouse Queen. Clara and the Nutcracker winthe battle!

Nutcracker takes Clara through the swirling snow, to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.The Sugar Plum Fairy herself presents a celebration for them, with entertainers fromevery nation! Clara and the Nutcracker enjoy the festivities of music and dancing. TheSugar Plum Fairy ends the celebration, and presents Clara with a bouquet of springflowers in the midst of the cold winter.